Rethinking Henry Cooper

I have Cooper's 2 autobiographies.

 

He was solid enough at British/European level but almost always lost by stoppage when he stepped up in class. He also sidestepped a few dangerous opponents (compare with Brian London, who was more willing to take risky fights). His only win against a top rated opponent was Zora Folley, who KO'd him in two rounds in the rematch. He was KO'd cold by Johansson and Patterson. There was also an early KO loss to Joe Bygraves. Best thing that happened in his career was his knockdown of Clay/Ali, which made him a folk hero in Britain and he dined out on it thereafter.

 

Not exactly true. I admire him but he avoided Liston, Frazier and Chuvalo. Can't blame him, though.

 

I think Americans would have loved to see him fight there. But all we ever saw of him were the famous fights in London when the scar tissue tore open.

 

Now it's time for you to rethink Tony Galento

 

Galento was an ATG

 

I’ve heard claims that Chuvalo challenged him and he declined.

 

That was known as Enery's 'Ammer.

 

Can believe that. More likely Jim Wicks on Henrys behalf. Might have had a bit of early success with his jab but Chiuvalo wouldn't have been bust up but Henry would when he got caught up with.
Outweighed and out toughed.